Operator News
India – Goa’s River Mandovi casinos get six month reprieve with no alternative home found
By Phil - 27 April 2020
Goa’s State cabinet will allow the country’s casino sector another six-month extension of operating from the River Mandovi, until September 30, with an alternative site for them to be relocated yet to be identified.
The last six-month extension ran out on March 31 with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant confirming the new extension had been granted to the six offshore casinos which include MV Horseshoe Casino, MV Pride of Goa, MV Casino Royale, MV Argosy IV, MV Royale Flotel and MV Lucky.
The government has wanted to relocate the offshore casinos from the River Mandov since 2013. The government is also in the process of renewing the licence of MV Horseshoe Casino which expired in Aug 2018. Four other casino licences will expire in 2023 with another in 2021.
Goa’s casino sector has been helping the government in reaching out to the people stranded in the tourist state due to the lockdown.
“We have supported 25 Georgian nationals by offering them accommodation and food after their Embassy requested for the same. They are safe in our accommodation. We will take care of them till they are in a position to fly back,” said Srinivas Nayak, Director, Casino Pride Group which owns two offshore vessels besides some onshore gaming places in the state.
Casino Pride Group donated ₹51 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund matched by Deltin Group last week.
“These are challenging times for all, and many people remain vulnerable to the COVID-19. Deltin Group believes in creating awareness amongst general public about the pandemic and providing humanitarian aid to the needy,” said Deltin Group chairman Jaydev Mody
